Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Wanko, Senior Legislative Director with the National Conference of State Legislators, said, "Nice
• We've also been the one to help them set up through our laboratory, Tricor, a phlebotomy program there
• Our bread and butter—truly what you see—is the imaging laboratory and really our clinic services.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• And we worked alongside the Underwriters Laboratory Research Institute.
• We worked alongside the Underwriters Laboratory Research Institute and very closely with Cal Fire's damage
• Trail in Escondido, it received the Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood designation, the first in the nation
• And then CDI and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners created a landmark study that looked
• NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, did a lot of research on fencing material

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you come to our campus on Independence Boulevard, you will see a world-class crime laboratory that's
• some of the highest-profile, most violent, and despicable crimes that we help solve in that crime laboratory
• to affect... ...and then can be used nefariously to affect public safety, but more importantly, national
• We also entered into a partnership with the National Partnership for Juvenile Services, and they are
• We also entered into a partnership with the National Partnership for Juvenile Services, and they are

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This authorizes the DOT to assume responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
• I've also been involved at the national and international levels as an ocean advocate.
• </c><00:42:35.680><c> and</c> also been involved at the national and also been involved at the national
• </c> protections beyond areas of national protections beyond areas of national jurisdiction.<00:43:07.200
• Hawaii should be leading the nation in developing our blue economy.

Bills: SB2709 , SB3154

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229. The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor. A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, those are national standards.
• or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveyors, further enforced by the Missouri
• or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveors, further enforced by the Missouri
• I'm speaking today in favor of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association.
• Just wanted to go on record. ...of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Matthews and his wife Lita, and Melanie, who put on the Gathering of Nations.
• Some of this stuff with the National Guard.
• That are signed, but the nations have remained closed.
• That's a lot of days compared to many jurisdictions on a national level.
• The lack of horses being bred on both a national and state level is declining significantly.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> opportunity has propelled our nation opportunity has propelled our nation ever<00:27:55.360><c>
• </c><00:28:57.360><c> and</c> The balance between the national and The balance between the national and
• States truly are the laboratories of democracy.
• States truly are the laboratories<00:33:05.600><c> of</c><00:33:05.840><c> democracy.
• . nation. nation.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expansion of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Bemidji Regional Office and Forensics Science Laboratory
• project will provide additional space and resources to support increased demand for investigatory and laboratory
• We provide services to all communities across the state, all 87 counties and 11 sovereign nations.
• We provide services to all communities across the state, all 87 counties and 11 sovereign nations.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Minnesota already has an aggressive and nation-leading clean energy program.
• The state of Minnesota already has an aggressive and nation-leading clean energy program.
• In Virginia, similar measures were not advanced this year due to national security concerns.
• Otter Tail Power is one of the smallest investor-owned utilities in the nation.
• I'm Colleen Hollander, Director at National Resource Services.

Bills: HF2928 , HF2912 , HF2297

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• the sunset bill in its current form, as it lacks enough support due to the lack of existence of a national
• the sunset bill in its current form, as it lacks enough support due to the lack of existence of a national
• from the Board of Registered Nursing, the nurse practitioner education is the same throughout the nation
• transition of practice, but the education and training that you asked about is identical, as well as the national
• in current law, requires unlicensed dental assistants to complete both didactic instruction and laboratory

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will move on to our 9:05 agenda item, presentation by a representative of the Board of Clinical Laboratory
• Christy Mason, and I'm here to testify on behalf of the North Dakota Board of Clinical and Laboratory
• 17th National Conference in 2025.
• So even though it's not a national statute, it's still a national standard.
• The public comment asked that we go above and beyond the National Conference standards.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we used to be 49th in the nation.
• </c><00:52:14.720><c> Testing</c><00:52:15.720><c> alerting</c> requisite Laboratory Testing alerting
• requisite Laboratory Testing alerting the<00:52:16.520><c> public</c><00:52:16.799><c> and</c><00:52
• for tribal Nations so that removes<00:58:46.079><c> the</c><00:58:46.280><c> B</c><00:58:46.799><c>
• Are you expecting today that that will be impacted by the pause on all federal grants at the national

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:40:21.720><c> the</c><00:40:21.840><c> new</c><00:40:22.000><c> model</c><00:40:22.280><c> laboratory
• </c><00:40:22.760><c> school</c> cost for the new model laboratory school cost for the new model laboratory
• Uh, it is a USDA program administered nationally. Kentucky administers it.
• it is a USDA uh<01:19:57.040><c> program</c><01:19:58.080><c> administered</c><01:19:58.720><c> nationally
• </c> uh program administered nationally. uh program administered nationally.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item. For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing. The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• ultimately test... ...the middle of Yellowstone Park, as far as I'm concerned, doesn't have a lot of laboratory
• We are considered TB free, and the only state in the nation that does have to manage TB is the upper

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then introduced three RSs. Senator Shippey presented RS 33086 on protection of working animals, which would bar local governments and agencies from enacting rules that effectively ban working animals or working animal enterprises; members asked whether rodeo animals and service animals were covered, and the RS was sent to print. Senator Blaylock presented two code-cleanup RSs from the DOGE committee effort, one removing obsolete programs and another deleting references to the Idaho One plan; both were sent to print after brief discussion. The committee then considered several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rule dockets. Lloyd Knight presented a repeal of the Idaho Hop Growers Commission rule because it duplicated statute, and the committee approved it. He also presented temporary and pending rules on grizzly bear and wolf depredation compensation, explaining the rules implement HB 592 and HB 82, establish definitions and a compensation matrix, and set priorities for confirmed, probable, and possible claims, along with conflict-prevention funding; a virtual witness from Living with Wolves supported the rules, and the committee approved both dockets. Dr. Scott Livesley then presented zero-based rewrites of the brucellosis, tuberculosis, and public exchange of livestock rules, emphasizing that the changes were mostly reorganization and clarification with no major regulatory changes. During the animal disease rule presentations, Dr. Livesley gave background on Idaho’s brucellosis and TB surveillance programs, including the designated surveillance area near Yellowstone, mandatory testing and vaccination requirements, and the role of federal and state agencies. Senators asked about federal involvement, vaccination, and emergency entry provisions, and Dr. Livesley explained the limits of wildlife vaccination and the need for ongoing surveillance. For the livestock exchange rule, he described the three public exchange venues and a change allowing end-of-day electronic sale reports instead of individual paper releases. Jeff Abrams of the Idaho Conservation League later testified in support of the depredation framework but urged more funding for conflict minimization and future compensation needs. The committee completed its rule approvals and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Laboratory.
• That includes our universities, national labs, and private sector innovators.
• The Washington Air National Guard has two wings and an air defense sector, which...
• And I have discussed this with National and have full support from National.
• The competitive states we were just looking at gray and black as the national average.

Bills: HB2357 , HB2365 , HB2446

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: civil air patrol, military, Washington, emergency services, public safety, digital opportunities, accessibility, technology, economic growth, education, quantum technology, economic development, workforce development, innovation, technology industry, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Laboratory.
• That includes our universities, national labs, and private sector innovators.
• That language is supported by Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters and by the U.S. Air Force.
• I have discussed this with National and have full support from National.
• The competitive states we were just looking at are gray, and black is the national average.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the state and the nation look to the National Weather Service, that is the public-facing weather
• At 1:14 a.m., the National Weather...
• When an emergency alert goes out from the National Weather Service, the National Weather Service does
• And it goes to the National...
• Also, the National...

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state and the nation look to the National Weather Service; that is the public-facing weather document
• When an emergency alert goes out from the National Weather Service, the National Weather Service... does
• One on the National Flood Insurance Program.
• National Weather Service postings, alerts, or warnings that are posted through National Weather Service
• Would it be the National Weather Service?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the state and the nation look to the National Weather Service, that is the public-facing weather.
• The nation, not just in Texas, but across the nation. There are multiple reasons for that.
• When an emergency alert goes out from the National Weather Service, the National Weather Service does
• One on the National Flood Insurance Program.
• We have sites and a laboratory.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one down at Florida International University that is a center of excellence for the National
• of Health, National Science Foundation, NOAA, Florida Department of Health, and various foundations.
• To compete for a $160 million program from the National Science Foundation called an NSF Engine.
• So we're fingers crossed; very competitive landscape nationally.
• It evolved into Math Nation, and now it's run independently by a technology vendor.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board. Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth. Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.